Anti-Bullying Policy

Our anti-bullying policy is part of our whole school behaviour policy.

Aims and Objectives

At St. Ebbe’s, we believe every child has a right to feel safe and happy at school. We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our pupils so they can learn in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our school. If bullying does occur, all pupils will be able to tell a member of staff and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively.

Definition of Bullying

Bullying is unacceptable behaviour which is systematic, unwelcome, intimidating and a repetitive abuse of power. It results in somebody feeling unhappy, hurt, threatened or frightened. It is humiliating and causes suffering, distress and isolation.

Bullying can be:

Emotional - this could come in the form of verbal abuse or excluding

Physical - Any use of violence

Racist - racial taunts, graffiti, gestures

Sexual -unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments

Homophobic - because of, or focussing on the issue of sexuality

Cyber - Using any form of technology

Disabilities- targeting children for being different.

Why is it Important to Respond to Bullying?

Bullying hurts. No one deserves to be a victim of bullying. Everybody has the right to be treated with respect. Pupils who are bullying need to learn different ways of behaving.

Guiding Principles

All members of our school community have the right to feel safe and secure. They will be told where to go and who to speak to if bullying occurs.

All complaints of bullying will be treated seriously and will be acted upon in accordance with the behaviour plan.

When bullying occurs, we will act promptly and records will be kept of incidents.

Wherever possible and when appropriate we will develop children’s awareness of issues relating to bullying through the curriculum, assemblies and the use of playground helpers.

The school will participate in the annual national anti-bullying week

All members of the school community will be informed what to do and who to go to should they observe incidents of bullying or have it reported to them.

Adults can be bullies. All staff will ensure that they provide good role models in their every day work with colleagues and children.

Signs and Symptoms

A child may indicate by signs or behaviour that he or she is being bullied. These signs and behaviours could indicate other problems, but bullying should be considered a possibility and should be investigated. Adults should always keep an eye out for any behaviours outside of the norm such as unusual lack of appetite or scared to go to school.

When Bullying has been identified

The child is interviewed by a member of staff. This may be with a parent.

The alleged bully or bullies are interviewed. If there is more than one, then they are interviewed separately. Parent may be present.

The child who has been bullied and the bully is supported by the whole school.

Both sets of parents are informed.

If the bullying is violent and constitutes an assault, and then after investigation other measures may be taken.

Guidelines for Staff

Be vigilant and seek out those children who you feel are showing signs of being bullied.

Be firm and consistent.

Listen to children and act promptly on what they say, in accordance with our behaviour policy.